Best Hiring & Firing Lawyers in Canada

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Ferguson DiMeo Law
Toronto, Canada

English
Ferguson DiMeo Law, located in the historic CASO station in St. Thomas, Ontario, offers a comprehensive range of legal services tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clients. The firm specializes in personal law, business law, and litigation, encompassing areas such as real estate transactions,...

English
Girones Bourdon Kelly Lawyers is a distinguished Canadian law firm specializing in personal injury and medical malpractice cases. With offices in Timmins, Sudbury, and Toronto, the firm offers comprehensive legal services across Ontario. Their areas of practice encompass personal injury, car...
Caron & Partners LLP
Calgary, Canada

English
Caron & Partners LLP, established in 1967, is a mid-sized law firm based in Calgary, Alberta, dedicated to delivering strategic and practical legal solutions tailored to each client's unique needs. The firm offers a comprehensive range of services, including corporate law, commercial law, family...
Juzkiw Law
Toronto, Canada

English
Juzkiw Law Firm, located in Toronto, Ontario, offers a comprehensive range of legal services tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clients. The firm's practice areas encompass family law, personal injury, immigration, criminal defense, civil litigation, employment law, and small claims...
Gander, Canada

English
Peddle Law, based in Twillingate and Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, offers specialized legal services in personal injury, dispute resolution, estate planning, property law, and negotiation. The firm is committed to providing clients with personalized and logical legal solutions in a convenient...
Kamloops, Canada

Founded in 1911
English
Morelli Chertkow LLP is a distinguished law firm based in British Columbia, Canada, with offices in Kamloops and Merritt. The firm offers a comprehensive range of legal services, including personal injury law, family law and divorce, wills and estate planning, business law, real estate law, estate...
Linley Welwood LLP
Abbotsford, Canada

Founded in 2010
English
Linley Welwood LLP is a Fraser Valley law firm formed on May 1, 2010 through the merger of two established practices, Linley Duignan and Welwood Wiens Warkentin. The firm maintains a multidisciplinary practice focused on business and real estate law, construction matters, insurance litigation,...
Regina, Canada

Founded in 2015
English
Butz & Company, located in Regina, Saskatchewan, is a distinguished law firm offering comprehensive legal services across multiple practice areas, including criminal law, family law, employment law, real estate law, and mediation services. Founded in 2015 by Christopher N.H. Butz and M. Danish...
Toronto, Canada

English
Evans Law Firm, led by John R. Evans, specializes exclusively in employment law, representing employees and executives across Canada. With over 30 years of experience, John has successfully handled a wide range of employment-related disputes, including wrongful termination, constructive dismissal,...
Stenbeck Law Office
Medicine Hat, Canada

English
Stenbeck Law Office, located in Medicine Hat, Alberta, offers comprehensive legal services in civil law, family law, divorce, and employment law. With over 25 years of experience, the firm is dedicated to providing tailored solutions that address the unique financial, emotional, and legal needs of...
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About Hiring & Firing Law in Canada

Hiring and firing laws in Canada are rooted in both federal and provincial legislation, striving to balance the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees. Employment relationships in Canada are primarily governed by employment contracts, labor standards, human rights legislation, and common law decisions. Whether it’s hiring practices, employment contracts, or termination procedures, the legal framework seeks to ensure fairness, non-discrimination, and appropriate compensation or notices for employees. Understanding these laws is crucial for both employers and employees to avoid potential legal disputes.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are several situations in which individuals or companies might benefit from legal assistance in hiring and firing matters. These include:

  • Drafting or reviewing employment contracts to ensure compliance with legal standards.
  • Navigating complex employment terminations, including layoffs, for-cause dismissals, and handling wrongful dismissal claims.
  • Addressing accusations of workplace discrimination or harassment.
  • Understanding the nuances of severance pay and notice periods.
  • Resolving disputes over breach of contract or non-competition clauses.
  • Assistance with employment-related negotiations or mediations.

Legal advice can help protect rights, ensure compliance with laws, and guide all parties toward a fair resolution.

Local Laws Overview

Employment law in Canada varies between provinces and territories, each having their specific labor standards while also adhering to federal laws. Key aspects include:

  • Employment Standards Act: Sets out minimum conditions for hours of work, wages, overtime, and termination.
  • Human Rights Legislation: Prohibits discrimination in employment on various grounds, including race, gender, and age.
  • Collective Bargaining and Labor Relations: Governs unionized workplaces and collective agreements.
  • Common Law: Judicial precedents that impact employment practices, especially concerning wrongful dismissal and contractual rights.
  • Occupational Health and Safety: Outlines the duties of employers to ensure a safe workplace.

It is essential to understand these laws to ensure lawful hiring and termination practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What constitutes wrongful dismissal in Canada?

Wrongful dismissal occurs when an employee is terminated without cause and not provided reasonable notice or compensation in lieu, as required by law or their employment contract.

Are there specific laws about firing employees in Canada?

Yes, termination laws vary across provinces but generally require employers to provide notice or pay in lieu of notice unless termination is for cause. Employers must also comply with human rights and employment standards legislation.

How much notice is required for termination?

The notice period depends on factors such as the employment contract, provincial employment standards, and common law considerations like the employee's length of service, age, and position.

What protections are there against discriminatory hiring practices?

Canadian human rights laws prohibit discrimination in hiring based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and other protected characteristics. Employers must ensure equitable recruitment practices.

Can an employer terminate an employee on medical leave?

Employers are generally prohibited from terminating employees on medical leave, as this may constitute discrimination based on disability. Certain exceptions exist under specific circumstances.

What is constructive dismissal?

Constructive dismissal occurs when an employer unilaterally makes a significant change to an employee's job, such as duties or pay, thus essentially forcing them to resign. Employees may seek damages if they can prove constructive dismissal.

Are there laws concerning probation periods?

Probation periods are common and often stipulated in employment contracts. During this time, employers may terminate employment with a shorter notice period in most provinces, but must still ensure non-discriminatory practices.

How is severance pay calculated?

Severance pay depends on factors such as employment length, age, position, and employment contract terms. Provincial employment standards also set minimum requirements.

What should be included in an employment contract?

Key elements include job description, compensation, probation period, benefits, termination clauses, confidentiality, and any non-compete agreements. Legal guidance is advisable when drafting or reviewing contracts.

Can legal action be taken for poor hiring practices?

Yes, if hiring practices contravene human rights laws or involve misleading information damaging to candidates, legal action may be justified.

Additional Resources

For individuals seeking further information or assistance, consider the following resources:

  • Government of Canada - Employment and Social Development Canada: Provides extensive information on federal employment laws.
  • Provincial labor ministries: Offer resources tailored to specific provincial regulations and standards.
  • Canadian Human Rights Commission: Offers guidance on discrimination and human rights in employment.
  • Legal Clinics: Provide free or low-cost legal advice and resources.
  • Law Society of Ontario: Lists certified employment lawyers and provides professional guidance.

Next Steps

If you require legal assistance with hiring or firing issues in Canada, consider the following steps:

  1. Identify your specific needs, whether it's contract review, dealing with a dismissal, or addressing discrimination.
  2. Consult a lawyer specializing in employment law to discuss your situation and get professional advice.
  3. Gather all relevant documents, such as contracts, notices, correspondence, and any applicable policies or legislation.
  4. Prepare a list of questions or concerns to discuss during your consultation to make the most of the session.
  5. Consider mediation or alternate dispute resolution before proceeding with legal action, if applicable.

Proactively addressing your needs with legal counsel can help ensure compliance and protect your rights or interests.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Canada through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Hiring & Firing, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.

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